I booked my first Paul Gauguin sailing for a couple celebrating their fortieth anniversary, and I've lost count of how many I've arranged since. The process trips people up because the ship is small, around 330 guests, so the cabins you want sell out earlier than you'd expect. What I've learned is that booking is less about clicking a button and more about sequencing a few decisions in the right order. Get that order right and the rest falls into place. Below is the way I actually walk people through it.
Start with the itinerary, not the price
I always ask clients which islands matter most before we talk dollars. The standard seven-night Society Islands and Tuamotus loop is the classic, but the longer Marquesas runs and the Fiji and Tonga sailings, which run roughly every other year, are a different trip entirely. Pin the route first, because that drives the season, the airfare, and how far ahead you need to commit. Once the itinerary is set, everything downstream gets easier.
Lock the cabin early, then the flights
On a ship this size, cabin category is the real scarcity. I tell people to reserve the category they want as soon as the date is firm, even before sorting flights, because a deposit holds it. After the cabin is held, I build the air around it. Most of my clients fly into Papeete, and I like a night on Tahiti before embarkation so a delayed bag or late flight never costs you the sailing.
Confirm what's included and the fine print
A lot of the value here is that drinks, gratuities, and watersports off the marina are bundled in, so the headline fare compares better than it first looks. Prices and promotions shift, though, so I never quote a figure without checking it fresh at the time of booking. Read the deposit and cancellation terms before you sign, and ask about travel insurance while you're at it.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book?
For a specific cabin category and date, I'd aim nine to twelve months out, longer for the Marquesas or the Fiji and Tonga sailings. Last-minute space happens but rarely in the category you actually wanted.
Do I need to book my own flights?
You can, but I usually arrange them so the timing protects the embarkation day. Airfare and routing change constantly, so confirm current details before you commit.
Is a deposit refundable?
That depends on the fare and how close you are to sailing. Terms vary, so read the cancellation policy carefully and ask me to confirm the specifics before you put money down.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.